Hernando Reporter

• In the spring, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by tree pollen and grass.
• Allergy sufferers can take precautions, such as monitoring the pollen count and showering after coming inside.
• ENT physicians offer treatments like allergy drops or shots.

In the thick of spring allergy season, seasonal allergy sufferers might be wondering about testing or treatment options. Allergy patients have several testing options to choose from, and they aren't as bad as you might imagine, according to Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.

"Everyone thinks testing is this terrible procedure that is hundreds of things on the back," Pate told the Hernando Reporter. "There's a couple of different ways to do allergy testing. The first is the skin test. It's become much more specific over the years; it's a couple of scratches and pokes on the arm to see what people are allergic to. Another option is to do a blood test, which picks up allergen reactivity in the blood. It will depend on the patient – which test they're the best candidate for." 

Spring allergy season can begin as early as February and last through early summer. Common triggers are tree pollen early in the spring season and grass pollen later on in the season, according to the Flonase website. More-than-usual rain during the spring can lead to faster plant growth, which can also cause an increase in mold spores.

The 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine. People who need to undergo testing for allergies typically have two options. One option is is a skin prick test, during which a doctor will insert a tiny amount of potential allergens under the skin of the patient's upper arm. The skin will become red and swollen if the patient has an allergy, and patients typically have their results within one to two days.

The other option is a blood test, during which the patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. Although this testing method takes longer to produce results, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than during a skin test.

To minimize spring allergy symptoms, Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to be spreading. Allergy sufferers should also shower after coming indoors to remove any pollen from their skin. Checking the pollen count on a local news station or the internet can help you to plan for when it is best to stay indoors and keep windows shut.

Allergy sufferers can also try an over-the-counter remedy, such as oral decongestants, antihistamines or nasal sprays. If those solutions don't ease the allergy symptoms, alternative treatments such as allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy could provide relief.

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.